Even though the calendar has flipped over to September, it definitely still feels like we are in the throws of summer in Raleigh.
Your summer perennials are starting to slow down with their blooms and probably look like they have seen better days, but do not despair! There are many late summer to early fall bloomers that you can plant to keep your landscape lively.
Here are a few we love and that you may also enjoy this fall and for falls to come:
Autumn Lilac Encore Azalea
There are so many Encore Azaleas to choose from! We love this Autumn Lilac. Such a beautiful color and particularly striking when planted together in a group.
Japanese Anemone
The Japanese Anemone is a tall, stately perennial that produces glossy foliage and big, saucer-shaped flowers in shades ranging from pure white to creamy pink, each with a green button in the center. Look for blooms to appear throughout summer and fall, often until the first frost.
Autumn Joy Sedum
The Autumn Joy Sedum is a sturdy perennial that is as tough as they come. Clumping foliage displays large, plate-like flower clusters that start pink, then gracefully age to rosy russet-red in the fall. A fine addition to the rock garden or mixed border. Succulent foliage will die back to the ground in cold winter regions, but will re-emerge in early spring.
Aster
Nothing says fall is coming better than an Aster! A garden must have for a taste of the season.
Camellia Sasanqua
One of our must haves for a Southern Garden, the Camellia Sasanqua is available in several colors (the Shishigashira is pictured above) and you will see it’s buds right now. Look for them to bloom as our weather gets cooler this fall. Their glossy dark green leaves make them pretty to look at year round.
Joe Pye Weed
Showy, mauve-purple flower heads on long stems ideal for cutting arrive mid summer to early fall. This taller perennial is a great informal option for the back of the border.
What are your favorite late summer/early fall bloomers? We would love to hear from you!
Happy Late Summer….we are looking forward to you Fall!
